Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, in which the small air sacs fill with fluid. It causes fever, cough with phlegm, chest pain and breathlessness, and can become serious in elderly people, young children, and people with diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease. Early treatment matters. At AK's Amma Hospital, Dr A. Ashok Kumar treats pneumonia from the clinic through to oxygen support and ICU care.
Common symptoms of pneumonia
- Fever with chills
- Cough with yellow, green or rusty phlegm
- Breathlessness and fast breathing
- Chest pain on breathing in
- Elderly: confusion, weakness or poor appetite may be the only signs
Get urgent care if you have
- Oxygen level below 94% on a finger meter
- Fast breathing or struggling to breathe
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Low blood pressure, cold hands or very little urine
Emergency? Call 093448 53689 or 108, or go to the nearest hospital.
Causes and risk factors
Pneumonia often follows a cold or flu. Risk is higher in people over 65, small children, smokers, and those with diabetes, COPD, heart, kidney or liver disease, or weak immunity.
Tests that help
Chest X-ray and HRCT chest
Pictures of the lungs. A high-resolution CT (HRCT) shows fine detail and is important for ILD, bronchiectasis, unexplained cough and lung spots. Dr Ashok arranges the right scan and explains the report with you.
Oxygen level (SpO₂) and blood gas checks
A small clip on the finger reads oxygen level at rest and while walking. In the ICU an arterial blood gas test measures oxygen and carbon dioxide directly to guide oxygen and ventilator support.
Sputum and TB tests
Testing a sample of phlegm under the microscope and with rapid molecular tests finds TB germs and other infections, and shows whether TB germs are resistant to medicines.
Bronchoscopy and BAL (selected cases)
A thin flexible camera is passed through the nose or mouth into the airways, under sedation and local anaesthetic, to look inside, take samples (BAL) or a small biopsy. It is used when tests are needed for infection, TB, ILD or a lung spot.
How Dr Ashok manages it
- Clinical check, chest X-ray and blood tests to judge severity
- The right antibiotic or antiviral, chosen for the likely germ
- Oxygen support and close monitoring when needed
- ICU care with non-invasive or invasive ventilation for severe pneumonia
- Follow-up X-ray to make sure the lungs have cleared
- Vaccination advice to prevent future pneumonia
Living well
- Finish the full course of medicine
- Rest, drink fluids and eat well
- Do deep-breathing exercises as advised
- Check oxygen levels at home if told to
- Get flu and pneumonia vaccines if you are at higher risk
Questions patients ask
Can pneumonia be treated at home?
Mild pneumonia in a healthy adult often can, with close follow-up. People who are elderly, breathless, have low oxygen or other illnesses usually need hospital care.
How long does it take to recover?
Fever usually settles in a few days with the right treatment, but tiredness and cough can last several weeks.
Is there a vaccine for pneumonia?
Yes. Pneumococcal and flu vaccines lower the risk, especially for people over 60 and those with long-term illnesses. Ask whether they suit you.